Iranian n-issue should be returned to IAEA : Ambassador

Moscow, Feb 27 (UNI) Iranian Ambassador to Russia Gholamreza Ansari today urged the UN Security Council to postpone the adoption of a new resolution on Iran, which could toughen sanctions against it, and refer the country's nuclear issue back to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

''The continued presence of our dossier at the UN Security Council has no legal and logical basis,'' he said.

''I want to say that the pressure that is being put on Iran in the context of the adoption of this resolution is absolutely political and has no relation to the settlement of our problem and the creation of an atmosphere of confidence,'' Mr Ansari told Interfax news agency.

''In my view, this opportunity does exist: the adoption of this resolution should be postponed so that the IAEA, as the only competent body, could start settling our nuclear problem. Speaking categorically, the Iran issue should be referred back to the IAEA,'' he said.

On setting up an OPEC-like gas organisation, the Ambassador said gas producers will negotiate on forming a similar gas cartel.

He said Algeria, Iran, Qatar and Russia were holding consultations on the creation of an OPEC-like gas cartel, with the structure of the organisation being the main topic on the agenda.

''Now gas producers are in talks and consultations on the creation of a certain OPEC-like structure. These are Iran, Russia, Algeria and Qatar,'' Mr Ansari said, adding that Tehran views these talks in a positive manner.

''We hope that the creation of a relevant organisation will be a result of the talks and this will bring good not only to producers but also consumers, and will contribute to the efficient use of this type of energy,'' he stressed.

UNI XC SKB KP1859